Photo Gallery: Gorillas

Silverback Mountain Gorilla

Male silverback mountain gorillas gain their distinctive silver tinge at about 13 years old, when they reach adulthood.

Silverback Western Lowland Gorilla Strikes a Pose

Photograph by Michael Nichols

The silverback is the alpha male of the gorilla troop. He leads the troop to feeding areas, protects them, and even helps to take care of weaned, young gorillas.

Kabo, a Western Lowland Gorilla

Photograph by Michael Nichols

Gorilla tribes are led by silverbacks, but some young males, called blackbacks, are allowed to stay. Young males leave around age 11, forming small bands with other blackbacks. There are often skirmishes, with the bachelors attempting to usurp the silverback's role.

Western Lowland Gorilla

Photograph by Michael Nichols

Western lowland gorillas, known for their expressiveness and intelligence, spend most of their time on the ground, foraging in communities of up to 30 individuals.